Dave Williams led a group of BBC members to the Joppa Flats banding station located on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on September 23, 2017.  It was a beautiful morning for the visit and the birds were very cooperative!  Twelve species of birds were captured and banded during our visit, including 8 species of warblers.
The visitors got an up-close and personal look at the banding process.  Bander Ben Flemer showed the group how they take the wing cord measurement, determine the birds age and sex, weigh the bird (pretty cool!),  make note of the amount of fat on the bird, and place the band on the bird’s leg.  All of this was done with the upmost care for the bird.
We hope to make this an annual Fall trip in the future!

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Upcoming Field Trips

  • Cold Spring Park, Newton

    Newton - Cold Spring Park 1200 Beacon St, Newton, MA, United States

    This large multi-use city park offers an easy 1.4-mile loop through mixed forest, open green areas, and red maple swamplands, attracting a surprising array of resident and migratory birds. Porta Potties available.

  • Plum Island

    Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United States

    We will be walking the North Pool dike as well as visiting other spots. Note that an entrance fee or pass is required. Restrooms available.

  • Barretts Mill Farmland

    Concord - Barretts Mill Farmland Barrett's Mill Road, Concord, MA, United States

    This is often a great place for fall sparrows including Savannah, Field, and White-crowned, as well as Pipit and occasional Dickcissel. Loaner binoculars available; please email trip leader to reserve a pair! If the weather doens't look good, contact the leader to check status.

  • Hellcat at Parker River NWR

    Parker River NWR - Lot #4 Newbury, MA, United States

    During the past few years the refuge has opened the dike to hiking during National Wildlife Refuge Week. We will plan to do that hike if the dike is again open this year. Otherwise we hike the boardwalk and normal dike area.

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